On a personal note... I have had the privilege of meeting and getting to know some wonderful people. They have given me courage to keep going when I wanted to stop, listened to my dreams and occasional fussing. They have called upon me because they trust my advice. It has been an honor knowing each one of these people in some capacity. They have helped my life as I have been able to help theirs. No egos just true relationships and some friendships!

I would like to give honorable mention to Vandous Stripling for being a great resource and offering sound business advice and Mark Fenton for being a wonderful confidant and for giving me the no filter sound business advice as well. Finally, to my church home the Inspiring Body of Christ Church... I have nothing to say but I love you!

These individuals and businesses are the my 2013 Best of the Best:

Porsha KimblePorsha Kimble

Porsha Kimble

Known as one of the most talented cake designers out there Porsha "Cake Diva" Kimble is the hottest celebrity baker in the Dallas area. Her cakes are delicious and no two cakes are the same. So many people nominated her for being the 2013 Best of Best. Here are some of the comments she received:

"Not only are her cakes and pastries delicious but she is one of the most kind hearted people I know! I can always count on her to give me a call to offer her services for any of my charity events! She is a true example of a business woman striving to build an empire and thus far she is doing an amazing job! I'm excited to see what she has in store for 2014 and I'm sure it will be nothing short from spectacular!" says LaKisha Wells of Renee's Eventi.

"Cake Diva is an extremely talented cake maker. One consistently above and beyond many I'd seen. She’s dedicated and shown she will stand the test of time to get all bake goods out with exceptional and awesome work. She has made so many outstanding cakes and each one has shown extreme detail. Not a flaw to be seen! I honestly do not know how anyone can bring themselves to cut into them?" says Roz Moore.

Edgar Flores writes, "She is such a talented baker and has made many of my special occasions so memorable that friends are still talking about it years after I had her cake! Please consider her to be nominated! She deserves it."

Personally, she is a great friend and is always willing to come to anyone's aid. Her loyalty and commitment to her friends makes her a cut above the rest!

Christy DavisonChristy Davison

Christy Davison

Christy Davison is the definition of an humble person. She is a self-taught cake designer and someone I have used time and time again for my cakes. Her love for cake designs and baking quality goods keeps her on the radar for becoming the next big thing in the bakery world.

Despite her many challenges Davison maintains her faith in God and the love of her family. She is an amazing talent.

It's Not Complicated TutoringJay Veal

It's Not Complicated Tutoring

One of the most intelligent educators and mathematicians on the planet, Larry Jay Veal is the founder and CEO of It's Not Complicated Tutoring, a prescriptive tutoring services company. Veal has been highly recognized by his peers for his accomplishments in education and as an entrepreneur. Barely over 30 years old Veal has been featured in Black Enterprise for his revolutionary educational app for INC. He was a mentor for the Steve Harvey Mentoring Camp over the summer in Dallas and has been a featured speaker for audiences and organizations across the country.

On a personal note, Jay is a great friend. He is a brilliant mind with a kind. No one could ask for a greater friend. He is positioning himself to leave a footprint on the world of education by restoring hope to our students! Kudos to you Jay!

Eric D. WindowCircles

Eric D. Window

When you first see the movie Circles you think Greedy is the craziest character you ever seen on the screen but in reality actor Eric D. Window is nothing like the character. Window is a very spiritual man who is convicted by his love of the Lord. He has been recognized for his work in Circles, Sideline Confessions and Ouija. Window is positioning himself for the big screen soon enough!

Personally, talking with Eric from time to time he has ministered to my soul and allowed me to hear from God through him. He is always open to being complimentary and understanding to the needs of people. A great friend and actor.

Kelly RoachKelly Roach

Kelly Roach

Kelly Roach is an outstanding motivational coach who prides her on helping people their losses into profit and what she did for me this fall was nothing short of a blessing. I was devastated that a client had canceled a payment on me then proceeded to insinuate that I was qualified to do my job. I entered a contest Roach was having regarding money issues and won. She booked the appointment with me and poured into my life tremendously. She gave me sound advice that I was able to implement immediately and by November I was making more money than I could count. I appreciate Kelly for giving her time to others.

Kristi JacksonKristi Jackson

Kristi Jackson

There is nothing you can say about Kristi Jackson that is short of amazing. She understands what it takes to build a brand and she makes it happen. This young woman has won more awards than anyone I know and they keep coming. She puts and adds value to anything she touches and I get to be on a mastermind call with her monthly. We pour into each other and it's great when she asks me for advice and I can do the same. We are old classmates from high school and college and it is an honor to see her grow.

Shellye LyonsShellye Lyons

Shellye Lyons

Who doesn't love Shellye Lyons. Though not the tallest person, Shellye is a powerhouse and a force to be reckoned with. She is the co-owner of The Lyons Group of Texas and owns several network marketing firms where she excels in. She is a devote Christian and a great motivator to her friends and the women in her soon to be relaunched National Business Women Entrepreneur Network, NBWEN. Be on the look out for great things in 2014 from Shellye.

Sonja BrownSonja Brown

Sonja Brown

The Gladiator in Stilettos is a warrior tried and true. She possesses the ability to solve problems at the bat of an eye. She is also the owner of three mega brands J. O. L. T. Total Fitness, Haute Indulgence and Nobility Management. But the one thing that impresses me about Sonja is her love for health and wellness and for races, which I will not be a part of. She is a great friend and we can call each other to vent but definitely bounce ideas off of each other, after all we were born on the same day! Sonja is the epitome of the other half of me.

Chakina "CC The Great" WatkinsChakina Watkins

Chakina "CC The Great" Watkins

I love Chakina Watkins and you should kill your stylist and hire her. No not really but you really need to hire her to do your hair. She is a celebrity hairstylist and a fabulous makeup artist. Chakina has a big heart and loves her craft. She is amazing at what she does but the best part of her is her sense of humor and realness. You have to use her as your hairstylist and makeup.

Pridgen and Scott AgencyPridgen and Scott Agency

Pridgen and Scott Agency

These women are miraculous and fantastic. They are a dynamic duo who understands how to get it done for their clients. These ladies are wonderful at what they do which is strategic development, artist management and creative branding for their clients. And they are my management team for my author career. I love everything about these ladies, including their energy and know how to get things completed in a timely manner.

Adam AJ JeffersonAdam AJ Jefferson

Adam AJ Jefferson

Adam AJ Jefferson has an eye for capturing beauty. He has always come through as our photographer and takes the greatest pictures capturing our best moments. AJ is also a dutiful watchmen for the Inspiring Body of Church in Dallas. He serves tirelessly as assistant director on the crew. AJ has provided me some wonderful insight on dealing with personal issues and handling difficult customers. It is always a great pleasure to be in the company of an individual who knows his worth and strives for excellence in everything he does.

Jazzmyne GreerAdam AJ Jefferson

Jazzmyne Greer

Jazzmyne "J. Nikole" Greer is one of the most energetic young people I know. She has a contagious laugh and a great ear for music. Not only does she have a background in radio she also trusted us enough to be the host of In Da FloW with J. Nikole. She worked with us to produce 13 shows for the first season, never complaining, only learning from every situation. A human sponge.

On a personal note, Jazz has been my shoulder to cry on and my ear to chew off. I treat her like my baby sister because she is so special to me. She is a great host and will bring any party to life.

Eric BettisAdam AJ Jefferson

Eric Bettis

I don't have enough time to say thank you to Eric Bettis. He is an outstandingly wonderful man who puts his all into making The BLI Group a success. Despite being stubborn and bullheaded at times, Eric always digs deep to give the company exactly what we need to go to the next level. His graphic design work can be seen the world over. He is also a great artist.

On a personal note... I have to be honest and say that I thank God often for blessing me with a wonderful business partner like Eric. We might not see eye to eye most of the times and we talk in different languages but at the heart of it all we are truly blessed to know each other and have this adventure together. I am truly grateful for all of our good times, bad times and who going to jail first times. Thank you Eric for being my rock.

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Ivy N. McQuain began writing for and consulting small businesses in 1998. She developed her writing and consulting careers by assisting small businesses and organizations with their writing needs. Her credibility began to bloom through her academic career which include a BS in Marketing from Southern University and a MBA in Public Administration from the University of Phoenix. McQuain lends her voice as a staff writer, freelance writer and PR strategist for more than 15 publications today and she is showing no signs of slowing down. She is the owner of Written By INC and Organized Noise PR Consultancy, soon to be The BLI Group.